5 Common Problems in Migrating to Exchange 2016

With a dual functionality that allows it to work as a calendaring server and a mail server, MS Exchange Server 2016 is an exceptional tool created by Microsoft. It is compatible only with the Windows Server operating system. MAPI is a proprietary protocol utilized by Exchange 2016 and it comes with support for SMTP, EAS, POP3, and IMAP. With new additions via patches, the exchange server stays updated at all times. It is the perfect tool for handling complex management related tasks.

Benefits of Using an Exchange Server

Here’s a list of advantages of using an exchange server:

- Protection of sensitive data with Data Loss Prevention capabilities

- Allows you to keep important data in one place with exchange archiving

- Provides an option to move to the cloud environment with options like Exchange hybrid deployment

- Minimizes the amount of time spent managing your messaging systems and at the same time allows you to maintain control

- Allows you to bring all your contacts together

With so many clear benefits of Exchange Server 2016, it is best for you to upgrade to the latest Exchange Server 2016. However, there are certain challenges, which make this transition very difficult. Some common problems which make migrating to Exchange 2016 difficult are listed below:

1. Problems with Certificate Errors

After migrating to the latest iteration of exchange server, you may experience problems due to certificate errors on client computers. During its installation, it registers a service connection point (SCP) in Active Directory for the Autodiscover service, but the registration is done using the server’s actual domain name. No alternate name for the service is used for the registration purpose.

2. Version Control of the Outlook on Desktop

Your migration timeline may get impacted depending upon the version of Exchange Server installed on your desktop. The Autodiscover service in the Exchange Server 2016 has been changed with respect to Outlook 2003 and 2007, so if you are using, these older versions, you will not be able to use them with MS Exchange Server 2016. If you are in a large organization, you should run a parallel Exchange 2007, 2010, or 2013 operation and at the same time introduce a few Exchange Server 2016 machines to make the migration smoother.

3. Issues with Namespace

An upgrade to the 2016 version requires you to bring individual domains into Exchange in case the domains are located in the same Active Directory geographical site. It is easy to do when you have a couple of domains to contend with, however, when you have more than five domains, you have to make some DNS changes.

4. Inability to Transfer and Recover Corrupted Mailboxes

Inbuilt tools in Exchange Servers are incapable of recovering and transferring the corrupted mailboxes. You need the old Exchange server to always be connected when you are performing migration of emails. This step is required as old exchange servers do not accept offline EDB files as a source.

5. Persistent Compatibility Issues

Even when the migration is successful, there is a likelihood of certain compatibility problems arising during the operation of the newly deployed system. Because of this possibility, you need to hire individuals who have completed Exchange 2016 certification from reputed institutes and are well-versed with their tasks.

With Exchange 2016 training, you can learn a lot about the 2016 version of the exchange server and make the transition to MS Exchange Server 2016 easier.

You can train the messaging administrators, messaging architects, or consultants in your organization in MS Exchange Server 2016 for addressing and solving the major problems related to migration to Exchange Server 2016. There are many institutes that offer a MS Exchange Server 2016 course, and amongst the long list of institutes, QuickStart is one of the best institutes for corporate training. It has nearly three decades of experience in IT and technical training and has some of the best corporate training plans for your organization. You can leverage the learning of your employees and enable them to handle tasks related to MS Exchange Server 2016 by enrolling them in Exchange 2016 classes at QuickStart.

About The Author

Enterprise Account Executive

Tim Dieterich

Tim is an IT Education Consultant who works with SMBs, enterprise, and government organizations. He helps them achieve IT business objectives through comprehensive multi-mode learning. He assists clients and organizations by making recommendations and providing education for Information Technology, Project Management, Process Improvement, Soft Skills, and more.}